Italian movies have a long history of being lavish and impassioned, and for good reason. Italian filmmakers have a way of encapsulating the essence of love and all of its problems in a way that is both beautiful and heartbreaking, from the classic La Dolce Vita to the more current Call Me By Your Name. You may immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning scenery of Italy by watching these films, which transport you to the winding alleyways of Rome, the scenic Amalfi Coast, and the quaint villages of Tuscany.
Italian romantic films are incredibly compelling for several reasons aside from their breathtaking settings. The interactions between the characters are characterized by the highs and lows of romantic love, and the characters are rich and multidimensional. Romeo and Juliet’s forbidden passion or Life Is Beautiful’s enduring love, these movies know how to touch the heart and leave a permanent imprint.
Therefore, this collection of Italian romance films is the perfect resource if you’re looking for a romantic getaway. Get ready to fall in love with some of the most well-known love stories in Italian cinema by grabbing some popcorn and a box of tissues. These movies can satisfy your love appetites whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just need a good weep.
A Room With a View (1985)
When it comes to Italian romantic films, A Room With a View is a classic that never goes out of style. The James Ivory-directed movie takes place in and around England and Italy. It relates the tale of a young Englishwoman named Lucy who, while on holiday in Italy, falls in love with a charming Italian man named George. Lucy is adrift without George’s charm and wit when she returns to England, and she finds it difficult to live a life devoid of passion. But she is shocked when George reappears in her life. They must manage societal norms and their own desires’ limitations as their relationship develops. A Room With a View is a classic love story with outstanding performances by Helena Bonham Carter and Julian Sands and gorgeous photography. Because of how well it captures passion and the desire that goes along with it, it is also regarded as one of the best film adaptations of a book.
An Italian Romance L’Amore Ritrovato (2004)
The narrative of a middle-aged man named Davide who falls in love with a young woman named Marta is presented in this endearing Italian romance, which was directed by Carlo Mazzacurati. Davide has to deal with the complications of love and societal expectations as their relationship develops. An Italian Romance is a heartfelt and lovely depiction of love in all its forms thanks to the astounding performances by Toni Servillo and Jasmine Trinca and stunning photography.
Bread and Tulips Pane e tulipani (2000)
Another endearing Silvio Soldini-directed Italian romance is Bread and Tulips. The movie tells the tale of Rosalba, a housewife who sets out on a quest of self-discovery after being abandoned during a family holiday and ends up in the charming city of Venice. She encounters a range of intriguing personalities along the journey and gains a fresh sense of independence. The film captivates you with its comic tone and eccentric viewpoints from the main characters. Bread and Tulips is a touching story of self-discovery with standout performances from Licia Maglietta and Bruno Ganz and stunning photography.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Call Me by Your Name, Luca Guadagnino’s magnificent masterpiece, is a tale of first love that will have you in awe. The story of this romantic drama, which is set in the breathtaking countryside of rural Italy, centers on Elio, a young man on the verge of adulthood, and Oliver, a lovely doctoral student. They engage in a honest and beautiful exploration of the difficulties of love and self-discovery as their relationship develops. Call Me by Your Name is a masterpiece that will make an indelible effect on everyone who sees it because to its stunning photography, enthralling performances by Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, and its stunning writing.
Days and Clouds Giorni e Nuvole (2007)
This heartwarming Italian romance, directed by Silvio Soldini, tells the tale of Margherita and Pietro, a couple who are forced to reconsider their marriage after Pietro loses his job. They must face the reality of their love for one another as they fight to adjust to their new situation. As they traverse their roles, Margherita Buy and Antonio Albanese have given visceral, breathtaking performances. Days and Clouds is a touching and lovely depiction of love in all its forms, paired with amazing cinematography.
I am Love Io sono amore (2009)
This lavish Italian love story, which was directed by Luca Guadagnino, centers on a woman named Emma who develops feelings for a cook named Antonio (Edoardo Gabbriellini). As their connection develops, Emma is forced to face the limitations of her rich but confining life and choose between the world she is familiar with and the man she loves. I am Love is a beautiful and dramatic narrative of love with some magnificent takes on scandal, complex family dynamics, power, and tragedy. Tilda Swinton and Gabbriellini both give outstanding performances in the film. You are drawn toward the conclusion by the question of whether it is for the better or worse.
La Dolce Vita (1960)
La Dolce Vita, Federico Fellini’s celebrated masterwork, is an exquisite depiction of love and desire amid the glimmering city of Rome. In the movie, a journalist named Marcello navigates the enticing world of celebrities and socialites while engaging in hedonistic adventures. La Dolce Vita is a timeless masterpiece of Italian film, including ground-breaking performances by Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg, as well as breath-taking photography.
Malèna (2000)
The gorgeous Italian romantic drama Malèna was helmed by Giuseppe Tornatore. It depicts the tale of Renato, a 13-year-old kid who falls in love with Monica Bellucci’s alluring and mysterious Malèna. The movie, which is set in a tiny village in post-World-war Sicily, examines the forbidden romance between Renato and Malèna as well as the harsh reality of living in a war-torn nation. Malèna is a remarkable piece of film thanks to Tornatore’s breath-taking direction, as well as superb photography and a compelling score. After all, a stunning cast and amazing architecture are unbeatable.
Manual of Love Manuale d’amore (2005)
Giovanni Veronesi’s original love story, Manual of Love, is set in Italy. The story’s central theme is the exploration of the various elements of love, including falling in love, dealing with a crisis, cheating, and ultimately splitting up. The Manual of Love covers everything, from the intensity of first love to the difficulties of committed relationships. This movie will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you because to its stellar ensemble, which includes Monica Bellucci, Carlo Verdone, and Riccardo Scamarcio, and breathtaking cinematography.
Marriage Italian Style Matrimonio all’Italiana (1964)
Vittorio De Sica’s classic Italian romance, Marriage Italian Style, is one to watch. In it, a wealthy Italian businessman and his young mistress’ turbulent relationship is followed. Over the course of their relationship, they become embroiled in family strife, prohibited marriages, and the lives of secret children. In this movie, which is regarded as one of her more notable efforts, Sophia Loren gives a performance to remember. She excelled so wonderfully that she was nominated for Best Actress. Marriage Italian Style is a classic story of love and self-discovery, and Marcello Mastroianni dazzled the audience the entire time.
Roman Holiday (1953)
This masterpiece must be included on every list of Italian romances. The movie, which was directed by William Wyler, is about a young princess named Ann who, weary of her royal responsibilities, decides to take a break and sneak around Rome. She runs into a charming journalist named Joe, played by Gregory Peck, along the way, and the two start a quick relationship. Roman Holiday is a beautiful and enduring story of love in the city of love, including extremely stunning performances from Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck and terrifyingly fabulous cinematography.
Romeo and Juliet (1968)
The tale of these star-crossed lovers has been told a number of times. Although it is difficult to pick one as the finest so far, this version is thought to be the most accurate due to its underlying assumptions. Fans of Italian romance must watch Franco Zeffirelli’s exquisite interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless story of young love. The film, which is set in the breathtaking city of Verona, follows Romeo and Juliet as they rebel against their quarreling families and societal norms in order to pursue their forbidden love. Romeo and Juliet is a timeless and moving depiction of love, with standout performances from Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey.
Stealing Beauty (1996)
Bernardo Bertolucci’s breathtaking Italian romance centers on a young American woman named Lucy who visits the picturesque Tuscan countryside in order to learn the truth about her mother’s background. She encounters a range of fascinating personalities while exploring the area, and she finds love in the most unlikely of places. Stealing Beauty, a beautiful and passionate journey to the heart of Italy, features Jeremy Irons and Liv Tyler in performances that are sure to garner accolades.
Sunflower I Girasoli (1970)
A young Italian woman named Antonietta falls in love with a Russian soldier named Vladimir during World War II. As their relationship develops, they are confronted with the difficulties of war and the harsh realities of life. Sunflower is another classic Italian romance, directed by Vittorio De Sica. The two actors, Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, provide outstanding performances as they struggle with love in an unstable nation. With the aid of flawless filming, this wonderful story about love, sorrow, hope, and the pain of losing someone is masterfully brought to life. In actuality, Sunflower is a touching and lovely depiction of love in the face of hardship.
Tell Me About Love Parlami d’Amore (2008)
Giovanni Veronesi’s lovely Italian romance Tell Me About Love is one of his best. The movie centers on Sasha, a man in his twenties who is madly in love with Benedetta. Nicole, a married lady in her forties who helps her win Benedetta, becomes a friend of his. However, with whom does Sasha finish up? The romantic grandeur of Rome is captured in Tell Me About Love with comedy and emotion, from the thrill of unrequited love to a scandalous and forbidden friendship. Tell Me About Love is a movie you’re guaranteed to become fixated on thanks to its heartwarming cast, which includes Silvio Muccino and Carolina Crescentini, and the picturesque beauty of Rome captured by a commoner’s eyes.
Ten Winters Dieci Inverni (2009)
Valerio Mieli’s heartwarming Italian romantic drama Ten Winters tells the tale of Vittorio and Chiara, two young people who fall in love in the midst of a bitter winter. The two act out their parts as friends, foes, and lovers over the span of a decade. They must handle the difficulties of young love and the intricacies of life as their relationship develops. Ten Winters, starring Valerio Binasco and Isabella Ragonese in enthralling performances, is a touching coming-of-age story of love and resiliency.
The Postman Il Postino (1994)
Michael Radford’s The Postman is an endearing Italian romance. It centers on Mario, a straightforward postman who falls in love with Maria Grazia Cucinotta’s stunning Beatrice in 1959. Mario finds a passion for poetry and for Beatrice as he starts delivering mail to the reclusive poet Pablo Neruda. The Postman is a moving depiction of love with outstanding work from Massimo Troisi and Cucinotta as well as lovely views of Italy. The movie received praise from critics and was honored with an Academy Award for Best Music.
To Rome With Love (2012)
Fans of Italian romance must see Woody Allen’s endearing and humorous tribute to the Eternal City, To Rome With Love. The movie explores the benefits and drawbacks of love in all of its manifestations through a collection of related stories. To Rome With Love is a beautiful and funny depiction of love in the city of love, ranging from the foolishness of a young man who suddenly becomes famous to the amorous adventures of a middle-aged architect. This movie is a great treat, including outstanding performances from an all-star cast that includes Alec Baldwin, Jesse Eisenberg, and Penelope Cruz.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Unquestionably one of the most gorgeous and endearing Italian romances set in Italy is Under the Tuscan Sun. The movie, which was directed by Audrey Wells, centers on a recently divorced writer named Frances Mayes who acquires a villa in the picturesque Tuscan countryside out of the blue. Frances sought to find serenity in the lovely town, burdened by the weight of being duped and the despair of loneliness. She meets a variety of interesting personalities as she settles into her new house and starts exploring the area, and she finds love in the most unlikely of places. Under the Tuscan Sun is a touching story of love and self-discovery that features outstanding performances from Diane Lane and Raoul Bova as well as stunning cinematography.
Variety Lights Luci del Varietà (1950)
Federico Fellini’s beautiful Italian romance recounts the journey of a faltering variety act through the Italian countryside. Checco, the troupe manager, seems to have a newfound sense of direction after meeting Liliana. She metaphorically “brings him back to life” and ends up being the troupe of actors’ fortunate charm in spite of their general nervousness. The group meets a range of fascinating personalities along the route to success and discovers love in the most unlikely of circumstances. Variety Lights, featuring endearing performances from Peppino De Filippo and Carla Del Poggio, is an enjoyable and heartfelt story of love in the middle of sold-out audiences and a portrayal of brilliance.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Ieri, oggi e domani (1963)
Three women’s lives are followed as they negotiate love, relationships, and the intricacies of life in this vintage Italian romance, which was directed by Vittorio De Sica. Adelina, a Naples resident married to a working-class guy, Anna, a wealthy married woman with a lover, and Mara, a sex worker who works with high-end clientele. Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, starring the legendary Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, is a delightful and heartbreaking depiction of love in all its manifestations. This movie is a must-see for lovers of Italian romance because of its magnificent cinematography and outstanding acting.
